amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam

As one of Europe's most visited cities, Amsterdam is no stranger to tourist attractions. Its most famous landmark is most definitely theAnne Frank Museum, a site where the diary of Anne Frank comes to life. Another other notable museum is theVan Gogh Museum. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter and showcases the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Forget any preconceived notions, theRed Light Districtis also worth taking a peek at. From the outset it may seem seedy, with sex shops luring patrons with neon lights and prostitutes posing in windows, but for the most part the Red Light District is safe and home to some fascinating local history. As the oldest area in Amsterdam (and home to the world's oldest profession), the district, known locally as De Wallen, has fantastic architecture and can be explored easily with a tour.

Away from the typical attractions however, the must-dos in Amsterdam are more inline with what the locals do. Wander around the canals, hire a bike and go for a ride on one of the city's bike paths (Amsterdam has a total of 400 kilometres of bike lanes and paths). Purchase a bunch of blooms from the floating flower markets and order your raw herring and yummy cheeses to go for a picnic in Vondelpark.

For more must-do details of things to see and do in Amsterdam, check out our list below:

For a dose of culture and understanding, few tourists can go past visiting the famous Anne Frank Museum. Located within the house and neighbouring house that Anne Frank once hid in from Nazi persecution, the museum is dedicated to telling the young girl's tragic story.

Most travellers to Amsterdam can't help but be curious about the city's infamous Red Light District. Located in De Wallen, the red light district is the oldest part of the Amsterdam and home to the oldest profession in the world.

For a taste of the buzzing urban side of Amsterdam, the Albert Cuyp Market is where you can experience local life. All up the market has around 260 stalls, most of which focus on fresh produce, with locals coming out to stock up on fruit, vegetables and fish.

The once-working class district of Jordaan is now a must-visit destination in Amsterdam full of modern art galleries, niche boutiques and upmarket restaurants all set beside the picturesque city canals.

This former Amsterdam gas plant is now the spot where locals congregate to enjoy outdoor activities and cultural pursuits. With a cinema, galleries, eateries and even a nightclub onsite, Westergasfabriek is the place to be!

With colourful windmills, a cheese farm and clog workshop, Zaanse Schans is a picturesque town north of Amsterdam that showcases the traditional Dutch way of living, architecture and food in an open-air museum setting.

One of the keepers of Netherlands art and history, the world-famous Rijkmuseum in Amsterdam boasts some of the most famous artworks from the Dutch Golden Age. Recently reopened after a major refurb, head here to see priceless pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and more.

One of Amsterdam's green city spaces, head to the northern district of Amsterdam-Noord for a mix of traditional and modern attractions including historic villages, remodelled industrial warehouses, fast fashion and a range of summer festivals.